Grant application deadline is March 15
By Joan Janzen
A recent news release from The Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta (CFSEA) announced the launch of Spring 2022 Community Grants. They held a virtual Grant Writing Workshop on February 3rd for registered charities, qualified donees and non-profits. Nikki Gray, Acting Executive Director, stated that forty participants had registered. “That is a record number for sure,” she said. “Some take in the workshop to attain information, or to prepare for the next grant cycle.” The workshop enabled participants to learn about their updated grant guidelines.
CFSEA has four rural funds, the newest of which is the Cypress County Community Fund. Grant applications received will be reviewed by a local advisory committee who is familiar with the area and their needs. One of the three Rural Community Funds is the Prairie Crocus Community Fund which spans Special Areas 2, 3 and the MD of Acadia. Organizations who are registered with CRA as a qualified donee or apply in partnership with a qualified donee, are eligible. The deadline to apply for a Spring 2022 Community Grant is March 15th.
The applications are reviewed by a committee of volunteers who make grant recommendations to the Community Foundation’s Board of Directors. This takes approximately six to eight weeks and applicants will be informed of the result at that time.
In awarding grants, CFSEA conducts a comprehensive procedure to determine the most crucial community needs from data and evidence-based practice. Grants are then awarded based on potential impact, fund availability, applicant’s eligibility, and how many applications are submitted. Nikki noted that usually between twenty to thirty-five applications are received, and the maximum amount awarded is $25,000 per applicant. “Grants from $1,000 all the way to $25,000 have been awarded in past grant cycles,” she stated.
Each year the foundation determines the community’s greatest needs, which in turn guides their funding priorities. Their current priorities are: mental health, work and economy, vulnerable populations and food security, housing stability and domestic violence.
In the fall of 2021, CFSEA supported fourteen charities with over $113,000 contributed towards a vibrant, healthy and caring community.